Connector with a termination module

ABSTRACT

A communication device is provided. The communication device can include a processing device for communicating data via a data connection or receiving power via an electrical connection and a connector for providing the data connection or electrical connection. The connector can include at least one terminal and a sensing module. The terminal can be communicatively coupled to the processing device. The terminal can form the data connection or electrical connection with at least one external terminal of a mating connector. The sensing module can detect a movement associated with removing the mating connector. The sensing module can provide a termination signal to the processing device to terminate the data connection or electrical connection. The processing device can terminate data communication via the data connection or current flow via the electrical connection in response to the termination signal.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a Continuation Application, claiming prioirity to, and thebenefit of, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/390,807, titled“CONNECTOR WITH A TERMINATION MODULE”, filed on Oct. 6, 2014, which is aU.S. national phase under 35 U.S.C. §371 of International PatentApplication No. PCT/US2013/067767, filed Oct. 31, 2013, and titled“CONNECTOR WITH A TERMINATION MODULE”, the entire contents of each ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to telecommunications equipmentand more particularly (although not necessarily exclusively) to aconnector with a termination module.

BACKGROUND

A telecommunication system may include components connected viacommunication cables such as copper or fiber optic cables. Communicationcables include connectors, such as RJ-45 jacks and RJ-45 connectors, forforming electrical or data connections. RJ-45 connections can be usedfor both data communications and for powering remote devices. For casesin which current provided to a powered device is high, arcing can occurwhen an electrical connection between a connector in the powered deviceand a connector in a cable from a powering device is broken. Arcing candamage or degrade the performance of the contacts in one or both of theconnectors.

SUMMARY

Certain aspects and features of the present disclosure are directed to aconnector with a termination module.

In one aspect, a communication device is provided. The communicationdevice can include a processing device for communicating data via a dataconnection and a connector for providing the data connection. Theconnector can include a housing, a terminal, and a sensing module. Thehousing can define an opening for receiving a mating connector. Theterminal can be communicatively coupled to the processing device. Theterminal can form the data connection with an external terminal of themating connector. The sensing module can detect a movement associatedwith removing the mating connector from the opening. The sensing modulecan provide a termination signal to the processing device to terminatethe data connection. The processing device can terminate datacommunication via the data connection in response to the terminationsignal.

In another aspect, a communication device is provided. The communicationdevice can include a processing device that can receive power via anelectrical connection and a connector for providing the electricalconnection. The connector can include a housing, a terminal, and asensing module. The housing can define an opening for receiving a matingconnector. The terminal communicatively can be electrically coupled tothe processing device. The terminal can form the electrical connectionwith an external terminal of the mating connector. The sensing modulecan include an additional processing device, a first conductive contactcommunicatively coupled to the additional processing device, and asecond conductive contact positioned through the housing. The secondconductive contact can be moved between a first position in which thefirst and second conductive contacts are electrically connected and asecond position in which the first and second conductive contacts areelectrically disconnected. The additional processing device can detectmovement of the second conductive contact between the first and secondpositions. The additional processing device can provide a terminationsignal to the processing device in response to the second conductivecontact being moved between the first and second positions. Theprocessing device can terminate a current flow via the electricalconnection in response to the termination signal.

In another aspect, a method is provided. The method involves providing adata connection between a communication device and an additionalcommunication device. The data connection can be formed by connecting aterminal of a connector included in the communication device to anexternal terminal of a mating connector of a communication cable. Themethod further involves a sensing module detecting a movement associatedwith removing the mating connector from the connector. The methodfurther involves the sensing module providing a termination signal tothe communication device to terminate the data connection. The methodfurther involves terminating data communication via the data connectionin response to the termination signal.

These illustrative aspects and features are mentioned not to limit ordefine the disclosure, but to provide examples to aid understanding ofthe concepts disclosed in this application. Other aspects, advantages,and features of the present disclosure will become apparent after reviewof the entire application.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a lateral, cross-section view of a connector with a sensingmodule for terminating an electrical connection with a powered deviceaccording to one aspect.

FIG. 2 is a vertical, cross-section view of the connector of FIG. 1according to one aspect.

FIG. 3 is a lateral, cross-sectional view of an example of a connectorthat includes a terminal and a sensing module actuated by a retainingtab of a mating connector according to one aspect.

FIG. 4 is a lateral, cross-sectional view of the connector of FIG. 3with the sensing module actuated by depressing the retaining tabaccording to one aspect.

FIG. 5 is a lateral, cross-sectional view of an example of a connectorthat includes a terminal and a sensing module actuated by the body of amating connector according to one aspect.

FIG. 6 is a lateral, cross-sectional view of the connector of FIG. 5with the sensing module actuated by unseating the mating connectoraccording to one aspect.

FIG. 7 is a lateral, cross-sectional view of the connector of FIGS. 5-6being disconnected from the mating connector according to one aspect.

FIG. 8 is a lateral, cross-sectional view of an alternative example of aconnector that includes a terminal and a sensing module actuated by thebody of a mating connector according to one aspect.

FIG. 9 is a lateral, cross-sectional view of the connector of FIG. 8with the sensing module actuated by unseating the mating connectoraccording to one aspect.

FIG. 10 is a lateral, cross-sectional view of the connector of FIGS. 8-9being disconnected from the mating connector according to one aspect.

FIG. 11 is a lateral, cross-sectional view of an example of a connectorthat includes a terminal and a sensing module actuated via an electricalconnection with a mating connector according to one aspect.

FIG. 12 is a lateral, cross-sectional view of the connector of FIG. 11with the sensing module actuated by unseating the mating connectoraccording to one aspect.

FIG. 13 is a lateral, cross-sectional view of the connector of FIGS.11-12 being disconnected from the mating connector according to oneaspect.

FIG. 14 is a lateral, cross-sectional view of an example of a connectorthat includes a terminal and a sensing module actuated by a touch sensoraccording to one aspect.

FIG. 15 is a lateral, cross-sectional view of the connector of FIG. 3with the sensing module actuated by touching the touch sensor accordingto one aspect.

FIG. 16 is a lateral, cross-sectional view of an example of a connectorthat includes a terminal and a sensing module actuated by movement of abarrier according to one aspect.

FIG. 17 is a lateral, cross-sectional view of the connector of FIG. 16with the sensing module actuated by movement of the barrier according toone aspect.

FIG. 18 is a lateral, cross-sectional view of the connector of FIG. 16with the barrier returned to a closed position according to one aspect.

FIG. 19 is a block diagram of a patch panel using connectors withtermination modules according to one aspect.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Certain aspects and examples are directed to a cable connector with atermination module. For example, the termination module can include asensing module communicatively coupled to a powered device that includesthe connector. The sensing module can cause the powered device to ceaseor reduce a current flow over an electrical connection or datacommunication over a data connection prior to removing a matingconnector from the connector.

The connector can include at least one terminal and the sensing module.The terminal of the connector can be a conductor that forms anelectrical connection with a terminal of a mating connector when themating connector is inserted in or otherwise coupled to the connector. Amating connector can include any connector configured to be electricallyconnected to the connector. For example, the connector may be an RJ-45jack and the mating connector may be an RJ-45 plug. The electricalconnection can be used to provide one or both of power or data to adevice that includes the connector. The sensing module can be used todetermine that the additional connector is to be disconnected from theconnector. For example, a sensor of the sensing module may be triggeredby depressing a retaining tab of an RJ-45 mating connector or otherwisemanipulating the mating connector in the connector prior to removing themating connector from the connector. The sensing module can cause atermination signal to be communicated to the powered device in responseto the movement or manipulation of the mating connector. The terminationsignal can instruct the device to terminate the electrical connection ordata connection. Terminating the electrical connection can include thepowered device reducing or eliminating current flow through theelectrical connection. Terminating the electrical connection before theadditional connector is disconnected from the connector can reduce orprevent arcing caused by physically disconnecting the contacts of theconnector and the contacts of the electrical connector.

Detailed descriptions of certain examples are discussed below. Theseillustrative examples are given to introduce the reader to the generalsubject matter discussed here and are not intended to limit the scope ofthe disclosed concepts. The following sections describe variousadditional aspects and examples with reference to the drawings in whichlike numerals indicate like elements, and directional descriptions areused to describe the illustrative examples but, like the illustrativeexamples, should not be used to limit the present disclosure. Thefollowing aspects and examples use directional descriptions such as“upward,” “downward,” “left,” “right,” “lateral,” etc. in relation tothe illustrative examples as they are depicted in the figures, theupward direction being toward the top of the corresponding figure, thedownward direction being toward the bottom of the corresponding figure,the leftward direction being toward the left of the correspondingfigure, and the rightward direction being toward the right of thecorresponding figure.

FIG. 1 is a lateral, cross-section view of a connector 100 with asensing module 106 for terminating an electrical connection with apowered device 110. For example, the connector 100 may be an RJ-45connector or other suitable connector for providing power or data to apowered device 110. A non-limiting example of a powered device 110 is aremote antenna unit or other access point of a distributed antennasystem.

The connector 100 can include a terminal 102, a housing 104, and asensing module 106. The terminal 102 can include one or more conductorsused to form an electrical connection or data connection with a terminalof a mating connector. For example, in a connector 100 such as an RJ-45jack, the terminal 102 can include a set of electrical contacts that canbe connected to the wires of an Ethernet cable via a corresponding setof electrical contacts in an RJ-45 plug or other suitable matingconnector.

The terminal 102 can be positioned in the housing 104. The housing 104can be formed from any suitable electrically insulating or dielectricmaterial. Non-limiting examples of a suitable insulating or dielectricmaterial include a plastic material that meets applicable standards withrespect to electrical insulation and flammability, such as PolyvinylChloride (“PVC”), Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (“ABS”),polycarbonate, etc.

The housing 104 can define an opening 112 into which a mating connector(e.g., an RJ-45 plug) can be inserted. At least a portion of terminal102 can be exposed to the opening 112. The terminal 102 can form anelectrical connection or data connection with a terminal of the insertedmating connector. The terminal 102 can be coupled to the powered device110 via a suitable conductor 108.

The sensing module 106 can be used to detect one or more of thepresence, removal, movement, or other manipulation of a mating connectorinserted in the connector 100. The sensing module 106 can include one ormore components electrically or communicatively coupled via a suitableinterconnection mechanism, such as a printed circuit board. The sensingmodule 106 can be communicatively coupled to the powered device 110. Thesensing module 106 can provide a termination signal to the powereddevice 110 in response to detecting the movement or manipulation of amating connector inserted in the connector 100.

The termination signal can cause the powered device 110 to terminate theelectrical connection or data connection. In some aspects, thetermination device can include a processing device. The terminationsignal can instruct the processing device to configure the powereddevice 110 to terminate the electrical connection or data connection.Non-limiting examples of a such a processing device include amicroprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (“ASIC”), afield-programmable gate array (“FPGA”), or other suitable processor. Theprocessing device may include one processor or any number of processors.Terminating the electrical connection can include the powered devicereducing or eliminating current flow through the electrical connection.Terminating the electrical connection before the additional connector isdisconnected from the connector 100 can reduce or prevent arcing causedby physically disconnecting the contacts of the connector 100 and thecontacts of the electrical connector. In other aspects, the terminationdevice 116 can include a mechanical or electrical switch in a path ofthe electrical or data connection provided by the connector 100. Thetermination signal can be an electrical signal that causes themechanical or electrical switch to move from a closed position to anopen position. Moving the mechanical or electrical switch from theclosed position to the open position can cause the electrical or dataconnection to cease.

The powered device 110 can terminate the electrical connection or dataconnection using any suitable process or mechanism. In one non-limitingexample, the powered device 110 may terminate the electrical connectionor data connection by opening one or more switches in an electrical orsignal path that includes the terminal 102. In another non-limitingexample, the powered device 110 may terminate the electrical connectionor data connection by powering down one or more load devices in thepowered device 110 that receive data or power via the terminal 102.

In some aspects, the connector 100 and powered device 110 can beincluded in a communication device, such as a remote antenna unit of adistributed antenna system. A termination device 116 that is aprocessing device can respond to a termination signal by performing oneor more operations associated with communicating voice or data to othercommunication devices in a telecommunication system. For example, thetermination device 116 may respond to a termination signal byidentifying a host communication device in communication with thecommunication device via a data connection provided by the terminals102, 204. Non-limiting examples of a host communication device include abase transceiver station in a telecommunication system or a master unitin a distributed antenna system. The termination device 116 may notifythe host communication device that the data connection is to beterminated. The termination device 116 may also identify state data forthe communication device. For example, the communication device mayperiodically transmit data to the host communication device thatdescribes one or more operating parameters of the communication device.The termination device 116 may transmit the state data to the hostcommunication device before terminating a data connection or electricalconnection. Transmitting the state data to the host communication devicebefore terminating a data connection or electrical connection can ensurethat the host communication device possesses the most recent state datafor the communication device.

Although FIG. 1 depicts a single terminal 102 positioned in a bottomportion of the housing 104 for illustrative purposes, the connector 100can include any suitable number of terminals positioned anywhere in thehousing 104. For example, FIG. 2 is a vertical, cross-section view ofthe connector of FIG. 1. The connector 100 can include terminals 102 a,102 b. Each of the terminals 102 a, 102 b can form an electrical or dataconnection with a respective terminal of a mating connector. Forexample, terminal 102 a can form an electrical connection for providingpower to the powered device 110 and terminal 102 b can form a dataconnection for communicating data with the powered device 110.

In some aspects, power can be delivered via Power-over-Ethernet frompower source equipment, such as a master unit of a distributed antennasystem. The powered device 110 can receive power from power sourceequipment via one of the terminals 102 a, 102 b and communicate data viaanother one of the terminals 102 a, 102 b. The powered device 110 caninclude magnetics or other suitable components for extracting power fromone of the terminals 102 a, 102 b forming an electrical connection. Thepowered device can also include a physical layer device for receivingand routing the data extracted from another one of the terminals 102 a,102 b forming a data connection. In some aspects, data and power can beprovided via one or both of the terminals 102 a, 102 b. Current can beprovided to the powered device 110 over one of the terminals 102 a, 102b and can be received by the other of the terminals 102 a, 102 b. Inadditional or alternative aspects, the connector 100 can includeadditional terminals, such as a pair of terminals for respectivelyproviding and receiving current over an electrical connection and atleast one additional terminal for communicating data over a dataconnection.

In other aspects, the powered device 110 can receive data and power overa coaxial cable having a mating connector coupled to the connector 100.The coaxial cable can include an electrical cable with a centerconductor, a tubular insulating layer disposed radially exterior to thecenter conductor, and a tubular shield conductor disposed radiallyexterior to the tubular insulating layer. Power can be provided over thecoaxial cable by providing current from a power source to the centerconductor and receiving return current via the shield conductor. Currentcan be provided to the center conductor via a device such as a bias T.The terminals 102 a, 102 b can be positioned to electrically connect tothe inner and outer conductors of a mating connector such a coaxialcable connector.

In some aspects, the sensing module can include a switch or sensor fordetecting the movement of a retaining tab of a mating connector insertedinto the connector. For example, FIG. 3 is a lateral, cross-sectionalview of an example of a connector 100 that includes a terminal 102 and asensing module 106 actuated by a retaining tab 206 of a mating connector202. The housing 104 of the connector 100 can define a groove 114 forreceiving the retaining tab 206.

The mating connector 202 can include a terminal 204 and the retainingtab 206. Inserting the mating connector 202 into the connector 100 cancause the terminal 204 to contact the terminal 102. Contact between theterminals 102, 204 can form an electrical connection. The electricalconnection can allow electrical signals to be communicated between theterminals 102, 204. The terminals 102, 204 may be formed from anysuitable conductive material. Non-limiting examples of suitableconductive material include copper or copper alloys.

The retaining tab 206 can be a flexible or otherwise movable portion ofthe mating connector 202. The retaining tab 206 can apply a force to aportion of the housing 104 of the connector 100 that can retain themating connector 202 in the connector 100.

FIG. 3 depicts a sensing module 106 that includes conductive contacts208, 210 and a processing device 212. The contacts 208, 210 can be partof a switch or sensor. The contact 208 can be positioned through thehousing 104 and in the groove 114. The retaining tab 206 can apply aforce to the contact 208 that causes the contact 208 to be electricallycoupled to the contact 210. The processing device 212 can be coupled toone or both of the contacts 208, 210. The processing device 212 candetect that the contacts 208, 210 are electrically coupled with oneanother. Non-limiting examples of a processing device 212 include amicroprocessor, an ASIC, an FPGA, or other suitable processor. Theprocessing device 212 may include one processor or any number ofprocessors.

Depressing the retaining tab 206 can actuate the sensing module 106.FIG. 4 is a lateral, cross-sectional view of the connector 100 of FIG. 3with the sensing module 106 actuated by depressing the retaining tab206. The retaining tab 206 can be depressed by applying a force to theretaining tab 206 in the direction of the mating connector 202, asdepicted by the downward arrow in FIG. 4.

Depressing the retaining tab 206 can remove a forced exerted by theretaining tab 206 against the contact 208. Removing the force exertedagainst the contact 208 cause the contact 208 to move away from thecontact 210. In some aspects, a spring or other biasing component (notdepicted) can apply a force to the contact 208 that moves the contact208 away from the contact 210 in response to the retaining tab 206 beingdepressed. The processing device 212 can detect a separation of thecontact 208 from the contact 210. The processing device 212 can respondto detecting the separation between the contacts 208, 210 by providing atermination signal to the powered device 110.

In other aspects, the sensing module 106 can be actuated by movement ofthe body of the mating connector 202. For example, FIG. 5 is a lateral,cross-sectional view of an example of a connector 100 that includes aterminal 102 and a sensing module 106 actuated by the body of a matingconnector 202.

FIG. 5 depicts a sensing module 106 that includes conductive contacts302, 304. The contacts 302, 304 can be part of a switch or sensor. Thecontact 304 can be positioned through the housing 104 of the connector100. The processing device 212 can be communicatively coupled to one orboth of the contacts 302, 304. The mating connector 202 being insertedinto the connector 100 can cause a non-conducting portion of the matingconnector 202 to apply a force to the contact 304. The force applied tothe contact 304 can cause the contact 304 to be electrically coupled tothe contact 302. The processing device 212 can detect that the contacts302, 304 are electrically coupled with one another.

FIG. 6 is a lateral, cross-sectional view of the connector 100 of FIG. 5with the sensing module 106 actuated by unseating the mating connector202. A force applied to the mating connector 202 can partially removethe mating connector 202 from the connector 100, as depicted by therightward arrow in FIG. 6. Partially removing the mating connector 202can cause the contact 304 to move away from the contact 302 withoutdisconnecting the terminals 102, 204. In some aspects, a spring or otherbiasing component (not depicted) can apply a force to the contact 304that moves the contact 304 away from the contact 302 in response to theretaining tab 206 being depressed. The processing device 212 can detecta separation of the contact 304 from the contact 302. The processingdevice 212 can respond to detecting the separation between the contacts304, 302 by providing a termination signal to the powered device 110.The powered device 110 can respond to the termination signal byterminating or reducing a flow of electrical current between theterminals 102, 204. The terminals 102, 204 can be electricallydisconnected from one another by continuing to remove the matingconnector 202 from the connector 100, as depicted by the rightward arrowin FIG. 7. Terminating the flow of electrical current between theterminals 102, 204 prior to breaking contact between the terminals 102,204 can prevent arcing or other negative effects associated withphysically disconnecting the terminals 102, 204 while current is flowingthrough the terminals 102, 204.

In additional or alternative aspects, the sensing module 106 can providea termination signal in response to the mating connector 202 causing twocontacts to move closer together. For example, FIG. 8 is a lateral,cross-sectional view of an alternative example of a connector 100 thatincludes a terminal 102 and a sensing module 106 actuated by the body ofa mating connector.

FIG. 8 depicts a sensing module 106 that includes conductive contacts402, 404. The contacts 402, 404 can be part of a switch or sensor. Thecontact 404 can be positioned through the housing 104 of the connector100. The processing device 212 can be communicatively coupled to one orboth of the contacts 402, 404.

A spring 406 or other biasing component can apply a force to the contact402. The mating connector 202 being positioned in the opening 112adjacent to the contact 402 can allow the force exerted by the spring406 to move the contact 402 at least partially into the opening 112. Thecontact 402 being positioned at least partially in the opening 112 canprevent the contact 402 from contacting or being in proximity to thecontact 404. The processing device 212 can detect that the contacts 402,404 are not electrically coupled to one another.

FIG. 9 is a lateral, cross-sectional view of the connector 100 of FIG. 8with the sensing module 106 actuated by unseating the mating connector202. A force applied to the mating connector 202 can partially removethe mating connector 202 from the connector 100, as depicted by therightward arrow in FIG. 9. Partially removing the mating connector 202can cause the body of the mating connector 202 to apply a force to thecontact 402, as depicted by the downward arrow in FIG. 9. Applying theforce to the contactor 402 can cause the spring 406 to compress and thecontact 402 to be electrically coupled to the contact 404 withoutdisconnecting the terminals 102, 204.

The processing device 212 can detect that the contacts 402, 404electrically coupled to one another. The processing device 212 canrespond to detecting electrical coupling between the contacts 402, 404by providing a termination signal to the powered device 110. The powereddevice 110 can respond to the termination signal by terminating orreducing a flow of electrical current between the terminals 102, 204.The terminals 102, 204 can be electrically disconnected from one anotherby continuing to remove the mating connector 202 from the connector 100,as depicted by the rightward arrow in FIG. 10. Terminating or reducingthe flow of electrical current between the terminals 102, 204 prior tobreaking contact between the terminals 102, 204 can prevent arcing orother negative effects associated with physically disconnecting theterminals 102, 204 while current is flowing.

In additional or alternative aspects, the sensing module 106 can providea termination signal based on an electrical connection between thesensing module 106 and the terminal 204 of the mating connector 202. Forexample, FIG. 11 is a lateral, cross-sectional view of an example of aconnector 100 that includes a terminal 102 and a sensing module 106actuated via an electrical connection with the mating connector 202. Thesensing module 106 can include a terminal 502 communicatively coupled tothe processing device 212. The terminal 502 can be positioned in thehousing 104 of the connector 100. The mating connector 202 beinginserted into the connector 100 can cause the terminal 502 to form anelectrical connection with the terminal 204 of the mating connector 202.

Partially removing the mating connector 202 can electrically disconnectthe terminals 204, 502 from one another. For example, FIG. 12 is alateral, cross-sectional view of the connector 100 of FIG. 11 with thesensing module 106 actuated by unseating the mating connector 202. Themating connector 202 can be partially removed by applying a force to themating connector 202 in a direction away from the connector 100, asdepicted by the rightward arrow in FIG. 12. The movement depicted inFIG. 12 can disconnect the terminals 204, 502 without disconnecting theterminals 102, 204. The electrical connection between the terminals 204,502 can involve a lower current flow than the electrical connectionbetween the terminals 102, 204. For example, the current flow betweenthe terminals 204, 502 can be great enough to allow the processingdevice 212 to detect the electrical connection between the terminals204, 502 and low enough to prevent arcing caused by physicallydisconnecting the terminals 204, 502 from one another.

The processing device 212 can respond to detecting a disconnection ofthe terminal 502 from the terminal 204 by providing a termination signalto the powered device 110. The powered device 110 can respond to thetermination signal by terminating or reducing a flow of electricalcurrent between the terminals 102, 204. The terminals 102, 204 can beelectrically disconnected from one another by continuing to remove themating connector 202 from the connector 100, as depicted by therightward arrow in FIG. 13.

In additional or alternative aspects, the sensing module 106 can includea touch sensor for detecting the presence of a finger or other objectused to remove a mating connector 202 from the connector 100. Forexample, FIG. 14 is a lateral, cross-sectional view of an example of aconnector 100 that includes a terminal 102 and a sensing module 106actuated by a touch sensor 602. The touch sensor 602 can becommunicatively coupled to the processing device 212. Non-limitingexamples of a touch sensor 602 include a resistive sensor or acapacitive sensor. FIG. 15 is a lateral, cross-sectional view of theconnector 100 of FIG. 3 with the sensing module 106 actuated by touchingthe touch sensor 602. The touch sensor 602 can detect an object near theconnector, such as a finger 702 disengaging the retaining tab 206. Theprocessing device 212 can respond to the touch sensor 602 detecting thefinger 702 or other object by providing a termination signal to thepowered device 110.

In other aspects, the sensing module 106 can be actuated by detectingmovement of a barrier adjacent to an opening of the connector 100. Forexample, FIG. 16 is a lateral, cross-sectional view of an example of aconnector 100 that includes a terminal 102 and a sensing module 106actuated by movement of a barrier 806.

FIG. 16 depicts a sensing module 106 that includes conductive contacts802, 804 and the barrier 806. The contacts 802, 804 can be part of aswitch or sensor. The contacts 802, 804 can be positioned adjacent tothe housing 104 of the connector 100. The processing device 212 can becommunicatively coupled to one or both of the contacts 802, 804.

The barrier 806 can be coupled to or otherwise include a hinge 806 orother structure allowing movement of the barrier 806. The barrier 806can be moved between a closed position and an open position. In a closedposition, the barrier 806 can at least partially obstruct access to amating connector 202 inserted in the connector 100, as depicted in FIG.16. In some aspects, a spring or other biasing component (not depicted)can apply a force to the barrier 804 that maintains the barrier 806 in aclosed position. In an open position, the barrier 806 can apply a forceto the contact 804. The force applied to the contact 804 can cause thecontact 804 to be electrically coupled to the contact 802. Theprocessing device 212 can detect a presence or absence of electricalcoupling between the contacts 802, 804.

FIG. 17 is a lateral, cross-sectional view of the connector 100 of FIG.16 with the sensing module 106 actuated by moving the barrier 806 fromthe closed position to the open position. An upward force applied to thebarrier 806 can rotate or otherwise move the barrier 806 to the openposition, as depicted by the upward arrow in FIG. 17. Movement of thebarrier 806 can cause the barrier 806 to apply a downward force to thecontact 804, as depicted by the downward arrow in FIG. 18. The downwardforce can move the contact 804 to a position in which the contacts802,804 are electrically coupled with one another.

The processing device 212 can detect an electrical coupling of thecontacts 802, 804. The processing device 212 can respond to detectingthe electrical coupling of the contacts 802, 804 by providing atermination signal to the powered device 110. The powered device 110 canrespond to the termination signal by terminating or reducing a flow ofelectrical current between the terminals 102, 204. The terminals 102,204 can be electrically disconnected from one another by continuing toremove the mating connector 202 from the connector 100. Terminating theflow of electrical current between the terminals 102, 204 prior tobreaking contact between the terminals 102, 204 can prevent arcing orother negative effects associated with physically disconnecting theterminals 102, 204 while current is flowing through the terminals 102,204.

In the absence of the mating connector 202, the barrier 806 can returnto the closed position, as depicted in FIG. 18.

In some aspects, one or more connectors 100 can be used in a device thatis used to switch or interconnect devices, such as a patch panel. Forexample, FIG. 19 is a block diagram of a patch panel 900 usingconnectors 100 a, 100 b. A patch panel 900 or other similar device caninclude a connector 100 a electrically coupled to a connector 100 b viacontact circuits 906. The patch panel 900 can also include a voltagesensor 902. The voltage sensor 902 can be communicatively coupled to arelay/switch control 904. The relay/switch control 904 can use thevoltage sensor 902 to determine which of the contact circuits 906between connectors 100 a, 100 b are used for transporting power. Amating connector being removed from at least one of the connectors 100a, 100 b can cause a sensing module in one or both of the connectors 100a, 100 b to generate a termination signal. The termination signal can beprovided to the relay/switch control 904. The termination signal cancause the relay/switch control 904 to terminate the electricalconnection or data connection between the first and second connectors bydisconnecting one or more electrical paths that include the contactcircuits 906 used for transporting power between connectors 100 a, 100b.

The foregoing description of aspects and features of the disclosure,including illustrated examples, has been presented only for the purposeof illustration and description and is not intended to be exhaustive orto limit the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed. Numerousmodifications, adaptations, and uses thereof will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art without departing from the scope of this disclosure.Aspects and features from each example disclosed can be combined withany other example. The illustrative examples described above are givento introduce the reader to the general subject matter discussed here andare not intended to limit the scope of the disclosed concepts.

What is claimed is:
 1. A communication device comprising: a processingdevice configured for communicating data via a data connection; and aconnector communicatively coupled to the processing device, theconnector comprising: at least one terminal configured for forming thedata connection with at least one external terminal of a matingconnector inserted in the connector, and a sensing module configured forproviding a termination signal to the processing device to terminate thedata connection in response to detecting a movement associated withremoving the mating connector from the connector; wherein the processingdevice is configured for terminating data communication via the dataconnection in response to receiving the termination signal; wherein thesensing module comprises: an additional processing device; a firstconductive contact communicatively coupled to the additional processingdevice; and a second conductive contact, the second conductive contactmovable by the mating connector between a first position in which thefirst and second conductive contacts are electrically connected and asecond position in which the first and second conductive contacts areelectrically disconnected; wherein the additional processing device isconfigured for providing the termination signal in response to thesecond conductive contact being moved between the first and secondpositions; wherein the second conductive contact is movable between thefirst position and the second position in response to the movementassociated with removing the mating connector from the connector and theadditional processing device is configured for providing the terminationsignal in response to the movement between the first and the secondposition that is associated with removing the mating connector from theconnector.
 2. The communication device of claim 1, wherein the connectorfurther comprises at least one additional terminal configured forforming an electrical connection with at least one additional externalterminal of the mating connector; wherein the processing device isfurther configured for reducing a current flow via the electricalconnection in response to the termination signal.
 3. The communicationdevice of claim 1, wherein the sensing module further comprises at leastone additional terminal configured for forming at least one of: anadditional data connection with the at least one external terminal ofthe mating connector, or an electrical connection with at least oneadditional external terminal of the mating connector; wherein thesensing module is configured for providing the termination signal inresponse to a disconnection of the additional data connection or theelectrical connection.
 4. The communication device of claim 1, whereinthe sensing module further comprises a touch sensor configured to detectan object near the connector, wherein the sensing module is configuredfor providing the termination signal in response to the touch sensordetecting the object.
 5. The communication device of claim 1, whereinthe processing device is further configured for responding to thetermination signal by performing operations comprising: identifying ahost communication device in communication with the communication devicevia the data connection; and notifying the host communication devicethat the data connection is to be terminated.
 6. The communicationdevice of claim 9, wherein the processing device is further configuredfor responding to the termination signal by performing additionaloperations comprising: identifying state data for the communicationdevice; and transmitting the state data to the host communication devicevia the data connection.
 7. The communication device of claim 1, whereinthe additional processing device is configured for providing thetermination signal in response to the second conductive contact being inthe first position.
 8. The communication device of claim 7, wherein thesecond conductive contact is at least partially positioned through ahousing of the connector, wherein partially removing the matingconnector may cause the body of the mating connector to apply a force tothe second conductive contact such that the second conductive contact isin the first position.
 9. The communication device of claim 1, whereinthe additional processing device is configured for providing thetermination signal in response to the second conductive contact being inthe second position.
 10. The communication device of claim 9, whereinthe second conductive contact is at least partially positioned through ahousing of the connector to contact a body of the mating connector,wherein the second conductive contact is movable to the first positionin response to a force exerted by the body of the mating connector andthe sensing module is configured for providing the termination signal inresponse to the second conductive contact being in the first position.11. A communication device comprising: a termination device in a path ofan electrical connection; a connector electrically coupled to thetermination device, the connector comprising: at least one terminalconfigured for forming the electrical connection with at least oneexternal terminal of a mating connector inserted in the connector; asensing module comprising: a first conductive contact, and a secondconductive contact movable between a first position in which the firstand second conductive contacts are electrically connected and a secondposition in which the first and second conductive contacts areelectrically disconnected, wherein the sensing module is configured forproviding a termination signal to the termination device in response tothe second conductive contact being moved between the first and secondpositions; and wherein the second conductive is positioned through ahousing of the connector, wherein partially removing a mating connectorfrom the connector may cause the body of the mating connector to apply aforce to the second conductive contact such that the second conductivecontact is in the first position; wherein the sensing module isconfigured for providing the termination signal in response to thesecond conductive contact being in the first position; wherein thetermination device is configured for reducing a current flow via theelectrical connection in response to receiving the termination signal.12. The communication device of claim 11, wherein the termination devicecomprises a processing device; wherein the connector further comprisesat least one additional terminal configured for forming a dataconnection with at least one additional external terminal of the matingconnector; wherein the processing device is configured for terminatingdata communication via the data connection in response to thetermination signal.
 13. The communication device of claim 11, whereinthe termination device comprises at least one of an electrical switch ora mechanical switch configured for switching from a closed position toan open position in response to the termination signal.
 14. Thecommunication device of claim 11, further comprising a barrier adjacentto an opening defined by a housing of the connector and movable betweena closed position at least partially obstructing access to the matingconnector and an open position allowing access to the mating connector,wherein the second conductive contact is adjacent to the barrier;wherein the second conductive contact is movable to the first positionin response to a force exerted against the second conductive contact bythe barrier in the open position.
 15. A method comprising: providing adata connection between a communication device and an additionalcommunication device, the data connection formed by connecting at leastone terminal of a connector comprised in the communication device to atleast one external terminal of a mating connector of a communicationcable; detecting, by a sensing module, a movement associated withremoving the mating connector from the connector, wherein the sensingmodule comprises a processing device; a first conductive contactcommunicatively coupled to the processing device; and a secondconductive contact movable by the mating connector between a firstposition in which the first and second conductive contacts areelectrically connected and a second position in which the first andsecond conductive contacts are electrically disconnected; wherein themovement comprises moving the second conductive contact between thefirst and second positions wherein the second conductive contact ispositioned through a housing of the connector to contact a body of themating connector, wherein the second conductive contact is movable tothe first position in response to a force exerted by the body of themating connector and the sensing module is configured for providing thetermination signal in response to the second conductive contact being inthe first position; providing a termination signal to the communicationdevice to terminate the data connection; and terminating datacommunication via the data connection in response to the terminationsignal.
 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising performingoperations in response to the termination signal, the operationscomprising: identifying a host communication device in communicationwith the communication device via the data connection; and notifying thehost communication device that the data connection is to be terminated.17. The method of claim 16, further comprising performing additionaloperations in response to the termination signal, the additionaloperations comprising: identifying state data for the communicationdevice; and transmitting the state data to the host communication devicevia the data connection.
 18. The method of claim 15, wherein the secondconductive contact is at least partially positioned in a retaininggroove defined by the housing and adapted to receive a retaining tab ofthe mating connector, wherein the second conductive contact is movableto the first position in response to a force exerted by the retainingtab and the additional processing device is configured for providing thetermination signal in response to the second conductive contact being inthe second position.